COVID-19: horse and pony questions and answers

COVID-19: horse and pony questions and answers

Covid-19: caring for your horse

During this outbreak of COVID-19, it’s only natural that we’ll worry about our horses and pets, and with all the recent changes to daily life introduced by the government, there are a few changes that we could make to care for them in the best possible way…

Can animals catch covid-19?

There have been a handful of exceptionally rare cases around the world where animals have contracted COVID-19; dogs, cats and a tiger. In comparison to millions of people testing positive, this is a very small number.

Can pets be carriers of covid-19?

It’s possible for COVID-19 to be carried externally on animals, it’s therefore very important to wash hands thoroughly after handling, feeding and cleaning. Also, avoid touching other people’s horses and pets where possible in the meantime to reduce risk.

Can I travel to my yard?

If your horse is kept in a livery you must respect the protocols put in place by the yard owner/manager, and work together to put a plan in place. If there is shared ownership, make sure you have a morning/evening rota.

What if my horse/pet needs to see the vet?

Vets have been advised to keep services open for emergencies, however, always telephone beforehand as they may also be able to offer you a phone consultation. If your vet advises visiting the practice/the yard, they will inform you of any distancing guidelines that need to be followed once on site. It’s always best to see your own vet as they hold your pets medical notes and will therefore give the best treatment.

Some things to be mindful of at this time of year for horses: laminitis, weight gain/weight loss, colic, midges/sweet itch.

What can I do if my horse/pet needs ongoing medication?

If your horse/pet is on a repeat prescription/ongoing medication, call your vet for advice. They may be able to post or deliver these to you. Read our blog to learn how to administer medication to your horse.

Can I still buy animal food and supplies?

Horse feed and bedding suppliers are seen as essential retailers along with pet shops. It’s worth checking to see if your local pet shop or supplier is offering a delivery service as it is always beneficial to support our local businesses, but even more so now. There are also many online retailers, although delivery times could be impacted. You might also want to consider having enough supplies for 2 weeks in case you need to self-isolate.

Can my farrier still attend to my horse?

Discuss with your farrier if you need to reschedule the next visit, they may ask for photos of your horse’s hooves to help assess the situation.
As always, our pets can provide comfort and love during these times and it is a great reason to spend more time with them when possible. This time could be spent cuddling them or carrying out a spring clean of their home space.

For more information on caring for your pet please see our article below:
COVID-19: Caring for your pet

Don’t hesitate to email us on info@petcover.uk.com or call us on 01444 708840 if you have any questions or concerns with your insurance.

Be safe, keep well and stay home.

British Pet Insurance Services offers a range of horse and pony cover levels, with up to £5,000 vet fees and a range of optional extras. Select the level of cover to suit your needs.